Late in 2012 the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLFI) released their reference equations for spirometry. Although not without some criticism this was an important step towards the development of a single spirometry reference equation that can be used by PFT Labs worldwide. The GLFI recently announced that they were accepting data for their TLCO Task Force. This is project similar to what was done for spirometry, and is intended to create a set of reference equations for TLCO (DLCO) that is applicable to all ages and ethnicities.

The GLFI Task Force is actively seeking test results on representative and “healthy” populations from labs anywhere in the world and in particular results from young and elderly individuals. They are looking for data sets from a minimum of 100 (or 150, there is some confusion about the minimum number in the Task Force’s own documentation) individuals. PFT Labs that wish to participate will need to provide information about each subject’s age, height, weight, gender, ethnicity and health status. Patient results will be de-identified before submission to protect patient privacy. Labs will also need to provide information about the test systems (brand and model number) and software (version number) used to perform the tests.

Please visit the GLFI TLCO Task Force web page if you have any interest in this project.

I applaud this project and look forward to seeing their results. The current DLCO reference equations have severe limitations both in the number of subjects and in the range of ethnicities included in the studies and the GLFI TLCO project should go a long way towards clearing up the many of the known inconsistencies.